Can anyone help me with the time it may take for Nal to begin to work?Some have had a positive affect in a few days others weeks and some months. I have only just begun the drug 2 days ago and probably are a little apprehensive about whether and when it may begin to work. My Dr says a week should see some reactions Thanks so much to all for this site and your postings. There is just so much info here.

Hi boozer,

As a guide, but only as a guide, take a look at the following thread:

viewtopic.php?f=9&t=341&start=450

No two people are the same - so, please bear this in mind.

V.

Boozer

I have seen an immeadiate effect but from what I have read this is the honeymoon period. My drinking was slahed by more than half and I get drunk on less drinks. I have been told this wont last so I am prepared for as long as it takes. But 1 week in no black-outs or bizzare behavior

Crown -- Your drinking is almost certain to go back up, and you may find yourself drinking more than you did TSM. Well, maybe for you that's not possible from what I've read of your posts . But what you did get was a preview of what your life will be like in a few months. It does take patience, so keep hanging around here and we will remind you of that.

Why does the drinking immediately subside, but then ramp back up to at least if not higher TSM levels? Is it because you WANT the pill to do more than it is, so kind of like a Placebo, you slow down, and then as time wears on you get used to the idea, and get back to drinking as before? Or is there some physiological reason behind it?

I never had a honeymoon period. I did notice a difference though. I would guess the honeymoon period woul at least be part the novelty and excitement of the feeling of finding a good method. Maybe part placebo. I know for some the side effects(SEs) slowed their drinking.
From the first day my head was different. I drank the same amount but had this feeling of knowing where my mind was at. Since, ~5months, I have pretty much halved my consumption. To some, not the greatest achievement. To me, it has been a miracle. I come from a blue collar city/ family where drinking is a huge part of the culture. This has been a miracle. Want to go further but kinda have plateued recently. F it. Blame it on the holidays .
Keep posting.

I think I know exactly what you are talking about. I don't want to make any huge statements after only one night using Naltrexone, but last night as I sat and drank like I normally would, I did notice that I was much more focused, and my mind was somehow clearer. I think I usually just plop down in front of the TV or computer and start popping beer tops on into the night, but last night, I was much more calm and focused. I don't know, it almost felt as if my brain was sharper than it has been in over a year.

Could be bullshit. We'll see.

If this method works for me, I will be the happiest man alive!

Hey Pisces,

Nick describes it perfectly so I will paraphrase him.

He describes the increased drinking to be the rat hitting the lever(booze) for the food/reward (endorphin rush). And since we are no longer getting the reward, we keep hitting it and hitting it. Once the brain realizes this is futile, it (the drinking) finally begins to subside (craving/over consumption). We then lose our obsession with alcohol and continue on with a normal life that we to this point never knew existed. That's right Nick?

The people in this forum are the most caring and incredible people you will ever want to know. Better than any shrink or at times significant others. We all know what you're going through and want nothing better than to see you happy. Come and post often friend and welcome, Best, Jim

Good summary Jim Clark -- yes, that explains why some of us drink more after starting TSM. However, levels usually do drop back to below pre-TSM levels. This method takes a lot of time and patience -- focus on your improvement and not arbitrary time frames to a "cure" that may or may not be coming. Reduced cravings and drinking will be coming however, for the vast majority of us.